Social Networking

Wow. There is so much I can write in this posting that I don't know where to start. So I'll start here...

Last week, my contract assignment ended abruptly. I immediately began pursuing my next assignment. I updated my LinkedIn.com profile. I contacted my Linkin.com connections. I updated my profile on the job boards like monster.com and careerbuilder.com. I logged onto myspace.com to inform my friends that I may soon return to Detroit. Finally, I decided to update my digital marketing blog, but I didn't know what to write about. Then it hit me - Social Networking. I just used social networking websites to position myself to find my next job.

Some may ask, "What is Social Networking?" For a clear understanding on this topic visit Spotlightideas.com. There is an excellent article describing Social Networking, social networking website, and the future of social networking. In summary, Social Networking is the gathering of people with the aim to create a mutually beneficial relationship. The term has grown to mean gathering of people on the Internet.

My automatic reaction to job searching has demonstrated that if I can find a job through online social networking sites, this practice may become a common theme. Social Networking is more than staying in touch, finding a date, and looking a cool new videos and pictures - it is also a way to conduct business.

Many articles are out in cyberspace describing how Social Networking does not seem to benefit a company's bottom line. These articles explain that banners and website advertsing on social networking sites would do little to encourage a visitor to click on an advertisement. This is true for most part. However, Michael Berkley, CEO of SplashCast Media, says that in order to capture the attention of the Social Networking audience, advertisers must, integrate brands into entertainment channels and give users a compelling reason to share. Check out the entire blog.

Online social networking is here to stay. But like traditional media, these networks will become more and more segmented allowing both advertisers, consumers, and end users to targeted with who they set out to reach. I seek to reach new employers, hiring managers, and other contacts. I think I'm in a pretty good position.